Gamekeepers fly high in the fundraising stakes

Snilesworth Estate, part of the North York Moors Moorland Organisation (NYMMO), donated a cheque for £3,293 to the life-saving charity.

It brings the total raised by the gamekeepers to more than £18,000 over the last three years and in 2017 NYMMO was awarded the ‘Individual and Supporter Organisations Award’ at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Recognition Awards Evening.

The Snilesworth team, who work land near Northallerton, are led by head keeper Jimmy Shuttlewood and have raised this impressive sum through a variety of ways.

These include a ‘shooters’ sweepstake’ during the shooting season, a raffle at the beaters’ evening and even a much-used swear box.

Tina Brough, NYMMO coordinator said: “NYMMO gamekeepers are delighted to be giving back to the local Yorkshire community and supporting the great work the Yorkshire Air Ambulance does.

“The Yorkshire Air Ambulance has been the main beneficiary of our fundraising and we were delighted last year to receive their award acknowledging our efforts.”

Kevin Hutchinson, Community Fundraiser said: “On behalf of everyone at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, we’d like to sincerely thank NYMMO for their latest, fantastic donation as well as the ongoing support they give us.

“As an independent charity, we rely on individuals, groups and organisations such as NYMMO to help us raise the vital monies we need each and every day.

“Their donation will enable us to continue to help save lives across Yorkshire, and for that we are extremely grateful.”

NYMMO’s activities are not limited to just fundraising.

In July, the second annual ‘Let’s Learn Moor’ event hosted on Blakey Ridge in the heart of the North York Moors saw 600 schoolchildren from Middlesbrough, Billingham and Ryedale treated to activities to learn about the region’s unique habitat and wildlife.

The educational event was organised by the North York Moors National Park among others.